With the Captains suffering casualties and heavy injuries on their side, all hope seemed to be lost... until Shinji Hirako appeared, along with the rest of the former Shinigami. Though the aid of the Vizards certainly helped to draw the battle in their favor, it seemed Aizen's power alone proved too much for them.
It had been quite some time since Yumiko's last conversation with Izaya. She hadn't seen him in a while, which was weird, as they worked together quite often. It wasn't even like she was avoiding him, and it didn't seem like he was avoiding her. They just didn't go on any missions. Yumiko had come to forgive him for what had happened previously. Tonight was a night for her to sit back and relax. About a week ago, she had a particular mission that was rather difficult for her. Her two friends, Azumi and Mamoru, were sent on a mission. The mission went south and back up was called, the back up was Yumiko. Upon arrival, Yumiko witnessed her friend Mamoru getting stabbed through the chest.
It was rough on both Yumiko and Azumi. Yumiko had spent each and every day trying to help her feel better, but she had changed. She had become cold, even to Yumiko. Through the last week, Yumiko was barely able to crack the new shell of Azumi's. This was the last night she was going to try, though she wasn't sure how she would do it. She decided to change the venue, picking out a place frequented by none other than Izaya. He ate dinner here often enough, that maybe he would drop in. Poking fun at him might be enough to change Azumi's tune. If not, well, Yumiko would leave. She didn't have the patience to continue to try after a week. She could always come back to her later.
Wearing her normal attire, Yumiko entered the small restaurant first. She picked a corner both, so she can watch the door, at least for the time being. Taking her blade off of her back, she set it in the corner as she took her seat. Didn't want anyone trying to steal it. There were some terrible people in the Rukongai. After a few minutes, Azumi walked in. Her uniform had long sleeves, covering her hands. Her sword hung from right hip. It was a normal katana, probably 34 cm long. The guard is a seven pointed-star. Her dirty blonde hair hung in a loose ponytail. The look on her face was still one of grievance. She approached slowly and sat across from Yumiko giving her a slight wave.
They both order some food, as well as a drink or two, or five for Yumiko. They didn't talk much initially. Eventually, they started talking about their now dead friend Mamoru. It had seemed, Yumiko had cracked the shell, at least for now..
Izaya had been walking on airs. Literally, he hadn't placed his foot on the ground in about a weak. He had done something so spectacular that even his Captain couldn't help but acknowledge it. He had defeated an Espada. Of course, he hadn't managed to kill her. No, he had chose not to kill her. He spared her in the way she'd spared him. He had given her the same chance to grow that she'd given him. It was the perfect testament to his maturity, to his growth, to his honor as a fighter. No one would pat him on the back for that. But, achieving Bankai and defeating one's old enemy wasn't something that happened often.
Unfortunately, achieving bankai hadn't come for free. He'd lost Kin. Izaya knew that she was still around; he could still feel her moving and going about her day. But she was lost to him. She'd made thing perfectly clear. She never wanted to see him again. Reluctantly Izaya complied. He figured...he figured he owed her that much. It was making his life difficult though. Even defeating Celia hadn't filled the hole it left. This great chasm in him that he wanted to fill with victory was only widened by the realization that his victory meant nothing.
Thus, Izaya had decided that he should take a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of shaking hands and hearing praise. Today he'd met with the Soutaicho and given his direct report on what had happened. That was incredibly taxing. Unohana was such an intimidating woman...Izaya'd much rather fight Celia again. So, where better to go to get away than to go somewhere where no one cared who you were. There was no rumors about him hear. No formalities to be met here. Nothing to remind him of Kin here. This old restaurant was essentially unknown to everyone but him. Izaya could get away from everything here.
Of course, for that he had to put his feet on the ground like a normal person. No one had time for his shit in here. He walked into the restaurant and nodded to the host. This man knew him well. Izaya would choose his own seat. Without hesitation, he walked towards his favorite corner booth. From there he could see everything, take in everything. From there he could live every life except his own for a while.
As he neared, he saw this was not going to be so easy for him. It was occupied by...Yumiko? She didn't come here. At least, not without him she didn't. Damn her; what was she doing? When his caught her hair he felt the slight pang of guilt. His eyes rested on the lips that had cost him everything. Damn him. Damn him for being weak. But, he was smart enough to know it wasn't Yumiko's fault; he shook it off. He continued his walk over.
Izaya nodded to get her attention before offering a small wave. His eyes glided over to her companion, who sat there with a rather grieving expression. "I'm sorry for your loss," he said giving a small bow to Yumiko's friend. "Yumi-chan, I'm surprised you came here. I didn't think you remembered how to get here. Or maybe it was the walk home you forgot," he offered a small grin. The two of them hadn't seen each other in a while, but that didn't really change them. Or maybe it had. Maybe they'd both become different people in that time and his comment was out of line. But Izaya wouldn't be on Yumiko changing any time soon.
After their conversation dulled, another shinigami arrived. At least, Azumi could tell. She had keener senses than Yumiko, as her preferable tactics usually involve stealth and subterfuge. She picked her head up and looked over her shoulder, trying to see the incoming shinigami. She couldn't get a good angle from where she was sitting, and Yumiko didn't seem to pay much attention to him as he approached, as if she didn't notice him. As he came this way, Azumi picked up her hand, slightly covering her mouth to whisper to Yumiko.
"D-do you know him?"
Yumiko raised a brow, and before she could answer, he was there at the table, nodding to Yumiko followed by a wave. That was followed by a small bow to Azumi, who still wore the face of grievance. Yumiko let out a heavy sigh as Izaya continued to insult her... Again. Closing her eyes, Yumiko decided to take the high road, and ignore his taunts, for now. "Oh, hey there Izaya, meet my close friend Azumi. Azumi this is Izaya." introducing the two wasn't something she had planned on doing, but they were both here, and if anyone could take someone's mind off of something, it was Izaya. Because he's a dick
Azumi glared at the shinigami that had approached them. He was sorry for her loss, but didn't even know what happened. It could of been her fault, which would make things worse! Not only that, but he insulted her closest friend, hell, her only friend at this point. Everyone else seemed to be avoiding her. They probably didn't want to talk to her or they felt bad or something. It had been rough, and a good reason to close herself off.
Quickly standing up, still maintaining her glare, Azumi spoke to Izaya. "That's quite rude." There was a hint of anger, though her eyes didn't seem angry, they seemed... Unemotional.
"A-Azumi! Calm down.." Yumiko stood up for a moment, trying to calm Azumi, eventually convincing her to take her seat and have another drink. Turning her attention to Izaya, Yumiko moved past him with her sword held. "Here, you can take my seat, I had some paperwork to do... And an early morning mission. You two should get to know each other!" Yumiko smiled as she went to the counter and paid for her meal, as well as Azumi's, waving to the two as she left.
After he spoke Yumiko quickly introduced the two of them. So her name was Azumi. Izaya narrowed his eyes at her as he tried to study her grief. Unfortunately he didn't get much a chance to do this. As he was trying to study her, she glared back. What? Who glared at someone they just met? What was that? He raised an eyebrow but quickly lowered it. This was no place for that. If he seemed too suspicious of this behavior it might cause a problem. Little did Izaya know, the problem had already been caused.
She stood and maintained her glare. Izaya was beginning to realize that this would either go really well or really bad. With an emotionless gaze she spoke and dispelled all confusion. This encounter would go awfully. "Well..." He was about to fire back with a counter-accusation that she didn't know their relationship, but there was no time. Yumiko quickly stood and tried to calm her down. Well, "tried" is a strong word, but she did say "Calm down" which was good enough. Then Yumiko made a quick exit telling Izaya to take her seat and to get to know each other.
Izaya eyed Azumi curiously. Get to know each other? Why would he want to do that? She had only really been mean to him in that shrill voice of hers. Why would he want to dig beneath the surface of emotionless attacks to hope for something better? "Well, despite that lovely invitation I suppose I'll leave. You don't seem to be in a very approachable mood and I don't want to make you feel any worse. You're obviously in grief." He rolled his shoulders and inhaled for a moment. His eyes caught hers again. It was nice to have someone shorter than him around.
Yumiko had quickly got up and left, leaving this guy in her place. Why did she want him around anyway? Wasn't like he had anything nice to say. But, if he knew Yumiko , he couldn't be half bad, right? "Tch." Azumi made a sound as he prepared himself to leave. "You might as well stay and get some food. That is why you are here, right?" Azumi raised a brow, as she asked him to stay. Maybe making another friend wouldn't be so bad.
"As for.. Uh... Grief, well, I'm working on that, so please, sit. Having someone else to talk to wouldn't be... terrible." She wasn't trying to ask him on a date or anything, but asking someone she barely knew to sit and eat felt.. Awkward. But that was feeling something, and that was a good sign.[/font][/font]
Izaya was about to find another table when Azumi stopped him. She mused that it was best she stay and get some food since that's why he was here. His head turned away from her, his eyes widened. What the hell was with this woman? First she called him rude now she asked him to stay. Izaya exhaled slowly to steady himself. To turn to anger would be a step back. He didn't want that. So, he turned around and gave a blank face. "Well, it's not a matter of whether or not I'm eating here. Just whether or not I'll be dining with you. No offense but you seem like you'd like to be alone."
Without missing a beat she told him that she was working on her grief. And then told her that having someone else to talk to wouldn't be "terrible". She was confusing. But, she was in grief most obviously. It wouldn't be kind of him to turn her away. "Alright. I haven't had a real conversation in weeks." He slid into his seat and motioned for the waiter to come over. "One moment please."
"Hello Kogi-sama, how may I help you this evening?"
"I'll have the usual soup and a bottle of sake with one glass...two glasses?" He turned his head to Azumi. "Would you like some to drink?" After her answer he told the waiter the correct number of cups to bring and the man scurried about to go on his way.
As he waited for his soup and sake, Izaya placed his hands on the table and intertwined his fingers. "So I'll start with something relatively light-hearted. I am Kogi Izaya, Third Seat of Squad Three. And you are?" After her answer he gave a nod. "Tell me please, how is it you know Yumiko? She's my subordinate as you may already know. Did you attend the Shinoreijutsuin together? Perhaps you grew up in the same Rukongai district?" With that he waited patiently for her answer. The waiter quietly returned and sat the bottle of sake near the edge of the table and dispensed the cups. Izaya filled his own and gave it a long, quiet sip as he listened. He hoped his tolerance had improved.
Azumi waited patiently as Izaya took his seat and ordered some soup and some sake. Before answering, she took a look over at her glass that she had from her dinner with Yumiko. Only one glass was necessary and it seemed that the waiter got that, as she didn't have to say a word, but still nodded to the notion of having another drink. That couldn't hurt anything.
"Shizuka Azumi, Fourth Seat of the Fifth Squad, recently promoted.. The previous Fourth Seat died on a mission.." Azumi looked away for a moment, hurt was in her eyes, but this was not the time or the place for this kinda thing. She brought her hand up and brushed her bangs behind her left ear with her left hand, possibly showing that she was left hand dominant, for those perceptive enough to notice these things.
She smiled softly, trying to move past her close friends death. "Yumi-chan and I grew up together.. Though I'm a bit younger than her, I entered the Shinoreijutsuin before her. I've been in the Tenth Squad, followed by the Seventh, then to the Second, and finally settling on the Fifth."
She placed her hands on the table, though her hands were visible initially. Lifting her arms slightly, her sleeves fell slightly, allowing her hands to be exposed. She had a steel blue nail polish on, one that she had picked up in the world of the living and that she thought was pretty. She pulled her cup over to in front of her, holding it with both hands, as the waiter with the sake came by. It was just the sake right now, but the soup wouldn't be to far behind. With a smile, Azumi pushed her cup forward, almost asking for him to pour her a glass. "So, besides work, how did you meet Yumiko?"
Izaya nodded slowly as he took in the name. He also took in that the "previous Fourth Seat" was likely the cause of her grief. The obvious mourning she felt. She brushed her bangs back and offered a soft smile. She seemed to want to move past it. Izaya would honor that wish after a small condolence. "I'm sorry Shizuka-san. Congratulations are in order, but hardly appropriate. I'm sure you'll honor their memory well."
She told the story of how she'd progressed around in the different Squads until settling to where she is now. Izaya blinked for a moment as he contemplated moving around that often. To him it was unthinkable. He'd been in the Third Squad his entire career as a Shinigami. The idea that he'd be introduced to so many new people so often was equal parts terrifying and outlandish. "Well you've certainly had a time finding your Squad. Do you feel comfortable in the Fifth? Do you think you'll settle down there, Shizuka-san?"
Azumi then pushed her cup forward to him, indicating she'd like for him to pour her a drink. Izaya obliged and filled her cup before filling his own. He raised his cup to her before downing it quickly. "I actually met Yumiko-chan before she joined the Third. I met her in a restaurant after an injury and we talked for a long while. Since then she's been deployed on several missions with me. We've come to be partners in a way. But recently I've had to do some missions alone. They were a bit too dangerous for her." He omitted the weird making out they did. Izaya nodded to the waiter as his soup was delivered to the table.
Before he began eating he figured he should get her talking about something. "So, that's some interesting nail polish. How'd you get it?" he asked before taking a sip of his soup.
"It's quite alright Kogi-san. He was one of my only friends, and taking his position is something I regretfully did, but I will honor his name. It's all I can do at this point." Azumi was quick when it came to this subject. Her words were quick, trying to get away from the topic it would seem.
"It's not a matter feeling comfortable, it's a matter of duty now, obligation." She had moved around quite a bit, met lots of people, though none of them stuck by her. At least, not as friends. Being in the Fifth was now more about her duty to honor her late friends name than to be comfortable. She might end up moving again, but for now, this was the best place for her. She could build a better reputation, a more solid one, one that people would know. "As of right now, I plan on staying in the Fifth. Have you been in Third all of your time here?"
After getting a drink, she began to sip on it slowly. She wasn't the guzzling type. She enjoyed her drinks, which was probably why she always took Yumiko home and not the other way around. "I don't think you're giving her enough credit." Azumi looked up for a moment, a cold, vengeful look in her eyes. Sure she was shorter and probably weaker than Izaya, but that didn't mean she couldn't intimidate him, or try! "She probably would of helped. She's gotten a lot stronger.." Defending her only friend was something Azumi had to do. Otherwise, what was the point in having friends?
After getting his soup, but before he began eating it, he posed a question. It was something rather simple, but she would have to oblige in the story telling. It would make it easier for him. With a reluctant sigh, Azumi began her story. "Well, I was on a mission to the World of the Living.. I was hunting a rogue agent, a tough and tedious task, but one that had to be done. The only way to really watch and find the time to take them back was to hide in plain sight, or rather... In gigia." Taking a pause, Azumi took another few sips of her drink. "I followed her into a shop one day. To avoid suspicion, I had to act like I was going to buy something, and that's when I same it. The steel blue nail polish. I actually wanted that, so I picked it up, and watched the target. After purchasing the nail polish, I followed her outside and to her residence, er, temporary residence. Then I staged my assault and brought back the rogue, along with the nail polish. I wear it almost all the time now..."
The drink was starting to hit him at this point so his nod lost its stern nature. His sloppy nod gave his agreement. Izaya began to wonder how close the two of them had been, given that he was one of her few friends. A lover perhaps? She did seem very touchy about the subject. Izaya certainly had never been that tore up about a comrade. Though he figured that if something happened to Yumiko during a mission he would be pretty torn up as well. He'd watched her almost get bisected twice now, and he'd vowed to protect from Nnoitra the last time.
Azumi then told him that her staying in the Fifth was now a matter of duty and her obligation. He figured that this was her way of honoring the memory of her friend. She then inquired if he'd been in the Third all of his time with the Gotei 13. "Yes I have been Shizuka-san. I started as the Tenth seat and was then promoted to Fourth after obtaining Shikai. I've been there for probably a decade now."
Azumi sipped her drinks slowly. Izaya wished he'd been smart enough to do that with his first two, now he was feeling a bit woozy. His tolerance was still terribly low. This was embarrassing. Truly...truly embarrassing. But...there was little he could do about it now. He poured another drink.
She reprimanded him for not giving Yumiko enough credit, citing her growth in strength. Izaya finished his third drink and coughed as he set it down. His soup was mostly finished by now. Another gulp finished it off. "Maybe you're right. But...I have to be hard on her. I've watched her get cut down more than once. I've had to protect her from enemies that could've killed me. She's strong, but she's reckless. Accessing the situation and planning quick enough is worth more than any measurable amount of strength." He adjusted in his seat as he slid the bowl to the edge of the table to signal the waiter to collect it. His wandering eyes again met Azumi's gaze. "If I give her too much credit she might get overconfident and get herself hurt again. Or worse...killed. I didn't take her with me because the enemies I needed to face couldn't be beaten by just throwing your strength at them. Whether or not you agree doesn't really matter to me. I did it for her own good."
After weaving a decent story, Izaya listened to Azumi's. Her story about tracking down a rogue in the World of the Living and using a gigai to avoid detection. This must've been when she was in the Second Division. Or at least following. There's no way she would've picked up those skills anywhere else. He thought about his own trips to the World of the Living and for a moment stumbled over the vacation he had planned with Kin. The perfect trip that would never happen now. Izaya pushed that from his mind, this was not the time for that. "So, given you had to immerse yourself in the World of the Living, how did you find it? I'm a bit curious about Humans myself, but never to the point that I've studied them or anything. I wonder how modernization has changed them so much from the world some Shinigami once knew."
